Mulch Is a Handyman, Housekeeper, and Home Chef Rolled into One
Updated July 2024. By Oscar Ortega: Organic wood-based mulch provides the outdoor equivalent of a fresh coat of paint, deep insulation, a Roomba, and an endless supply of healthy meals. This hardworker creates:
Clean Aesthetic
Like a fresh coat of paint, mulch instantly improves a space. If an empty lot somehow takes on some curb appeal, just imagine what it can provide to a front garden!
Cool, Hydrated Soil
Mulch simultaneously serves as the outdoor equivalent of insulation. It holds-in soil hydration, whether it comes from rain or irrigation. It keeps plant roots and soil at a pleasant temperature. When soil is cool and hydrated, it helps plants withstand high, dry heat, just as a well-insulated home helps us survive the summer.
Weed Control
Just as a Roomba prevents indoor dust bunnies, mulch keeps weeds from developing a stronghold in your garden. It hides barren soil, which invites highly flammable, non-indigenous “arson grasses” like Feather, Fountain and Pampas Grass. Because soil under mulch is hydrated, it’s also makes it easier to pull weeds.
Organic Fertilizer
Sunshine and soil contact will eventually break down a good mulch. Yet, even as it decays, organic wood mulch seeks to be of service. It will enrich the soil, fertilizing your garden for you. Before you know it, your little lovelies will be lush and leafies!
Freedom and Satisfaction
As we break down the specific tasks performed by mulch, we know we are missing what we really get out of hiring it. It frees the time and funds we would otherwise need to weed and fertilize. It protects us all from toxic chemical herbicides and pesticides. It means everyone who looks at the space will have the satisfaction that comes with gazing at perfection. We like being the team that creates that!
When you hire mulch, be sure you do your due diligence. Some materials are toxic, flammable, infested, or simply less effective. Leaves and organic, wood-based mulches perform this work well and are worth every penny invested in keeping them on staff.
2024 Update: A Note About High Fire Severity Areas
Regardless of your area of town, we use and recommend only mulch materials that do not leak toxins or easily ignite. We avoid landscape fabrics, rubber (reclaimed tire) mulches, and synthetic turf. These materials ignite easily and emit toxins as they burn.
We use only reclaimed, organic, wood-based mulches. While it certainly takes more effort, embers can also ignite these mulches. Guerilla fir and bark are not appropriate near high fire severity zones. Guerilla is light, airy and can fly away while lit. Bark will burn, decomposes slowly and leaves air gaps that allow hydration to escape.
Fire and insurance agencies may recommend or allow only certain mulches in high fire severity areas. For example, only ember resistant mulches, such as gravel or stone, are recommended in the 5-feet closest to structures. Some will allow compost mulch beyond the ember resistant zone, as it creates less heat and lower flame heights when ignited.